36
MAINTENANCE
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
Owner’s Guide
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Read all notices, cautions and warnings before any type of service operations.
The drive wheels must be lifted and supported on jack stands before you do any service to the
powertrain when
the engine is in operation.
To decrease the risk of engine damage, do not operate the vehicle at full throttle for more than 5
seconds with the drive wheels lifted off the ground.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you service the vehicle to prevent accidental
operation.
Wear eye protection when you service the vehicle. Be careful when you do work
around batteries, use solvents or compressed air.
To decrease the risk of electrical arc, which can cause a battery explosion, dis-
able all electrical loads from the battery before you remove the battery wires.
Use insulated wrenches to decrease the risk of a wrench that falls on a battery to cause a short-
circuit. A battery short-circuit can cause an explosion.
The electrolyte in a battery is an acid solution which can cause burns to the skin and eyes. Com-
pletely clean all electrolyte spills that contact the body and eyes with clear water. Contact a physi-
cian immediately.
Neutralize electrolyte spills with a solution of 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) mixed in 1 quart (1 liter) of water. Clean with water.
Be careful when you use the aerosol containers near battery terminals. Use a metal container that
has insulation to prevent an explosion.
The vehicle owner and service technician must carefully follow the procedures recommended in this manual. The pre-
ventative maintenance, applied at recommended intervals, keeps the vehicle dependable and decreases the costs for
the repairs. Refer to the Periodic Service Schedule for service and intervals. Refer to Lubrication Points for correct lubri-
cation locations.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
To increase the life of a vehicle that is used in harsh conditions, some maintenance must be done more often
than recommended in the Periodic Service Schedule. For example: high or low temperatures, high dust and
dirt conditions, high use with maximum load.
To access the powertrain for normal maintenance, lift or remove the seat and remove the rear access panel. For major
repairs, refer to the applicable Technician’s Repair and Service Manual.
Some service procedures make it necessary to lift the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING THE VEHICLE for correct lift procedure
and safety information.
